Nasri responds to his Man City critics with influential display

Submitted by
Dave Williams2012-01-23T16:43:23+00:00

Samir Nasri has been unable to command a regular starting place in Manchester City's star-studded side since his £24million switch from Arsenal, but the France midfielder feels he made a point by striking a superb opener in the vital 3-2 win over Tottenham at the weekend.

Samir Nasri has been unable to command a regular starting place in Manchester City's star-studded side since his £24million switch from Arsenal, but the France midfielder feels he made a point by striking a superb opener in the vital 3-2 win over Tottenham at the weekend.

The 24-year-old said: "This goal is what I needed after everyone was talking.

"I needed this to show everyone I am 100% with Man City.

"I want to perform well and show everyone what I can do.

"David (Silva) gave me a brilliant ball and after one touch, I scored and I was happy."

Nasri told City TV: "It was the kind of game that everyone wants to play.

"It was a crazy game with two of the best teams in England. I think everyone loved with this game.

"It was a good result for us and we are happy with our performance."

Nasri was well aware the result could easily have gone the other way with Spurs going close in the dying moments.

The Frenchman said: "Seriously I had a doubt about it, I was scared.

"I am used to playing against Tottenham, they are a team who react really well.

"Last year with Arsenal we were winning 2-0 and they beat us 3-2, but I knew if we kept calm, played our football, we would score the third one because they leave too much space. That is what we did.

"We didn't go forward too quickly because then you open some space for them and they play quickly up front.